THE UNDERGROUND: FROM THE STREETS TO THE STAGE

 

I went to some pretty heavy duty events last week, but this was the one, (that I almost didn’t even go to,) that I enjoyed the most.

When the film Rize came out several years ago, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! It’s a documentary about krump, the dance style that Mr. X does. I’ve never seen so much talent in one film! Not even a Meryl Streep-Robert DeNiro one!

We came right home from that screening and Mr. X secretly decided to teach it to himself, which he did with great success, I’m proud to report. And, it’s basically consumed his life ever since. The sessions called “The 818” seem to be the only reason he ever leaves the house, (besides to do things for me!,) and he’s formed a mutual admiration society with the other dancers. Over the course of his acting career, he’s worked with some heavy duty other actors and he’s never seemed as impressed with their talents as he is with those of these krumpers.

So, when he recently asked me to come to a show the main krump guys were doing, I gladly went along, even though it was on the campus of my most-hated site, the evil school that’s the across-town rival of UCLA. (It’s so reviled by me that I won’t even write it’s name. And this time I’m not joking; it’s a very personal hatred that I can’t even write about. I mention it just to show you how hard it was for me to attend that show.)

And let me tell you, the whole event was such a worthwhile experience. I was as impressed with the very eclectic audience as I was with the show! And the student ushers, as well. They were so polite and accommodating that I can’t believe they even go to that school!

But let’s get to the show, entitled The Underground: From The Streets To The Stage. I don’t know if they’re going to try to take it on tour or not, but if you’ve never seen krump in-person, this is one you just have to experience if given the opportunity. I had seen it up-close-and-personal only a few times before, (by people other than Mr. X, of course,) and it’s not to be believed. How any one person can do this, let alone multiple dancers, is beyond me.

The show was put together by two of the genre’s stars, Lil’ C and Miss Prissy, who were both featured in Rize. (You should all know the former for being one of the judges on So You Think You Can Dance.) In Miss Prissy’s case, it’s pretty special when a female can dance like the guys.

There was also Mijo, who Mr. X (who’s krump name is Oldz Kool, thereby rendering me Lady Oldz Kool,) always bills as “the most beloved krumper.” Having met him, I can see why. Not only is he handsome with a rock-solid physique, but he’s gentle, with a warm smile and handshake.

Everyone in the show was great, but there’s a guy named Storyboard who is one of the best dancers I’ve ever seen in my whole life…and I’ve seen Baryshnikov in person! (And Nureyev. And Travis Wall. And Anya and Pasha.) At first, I thought Storyboard should try-out for one of those shows, like So You Think You Can Dance, or America’s Got Talent, so that more people would get to see him, but then I realized that he’s so much better than that. On the latter, he’d be “judged” by three of the most talentless people I’ve ever seen, and that would be hard for me to swallow, let alone him. They’d say inane things like, “I don’t see this being a headlining act in Vegas.” (I still don’t know when that became a criteria for “talent,” but I’ve been trying to calm down in that category and just go with it.) But it’s a shame that the masses may never get to see this guy’s brilliance. I haven’t been so exited about a talent since the first time I saw Adam Lambert! (And every time I see Adam Lambert, actually!!!) Storyboard is just fluid. His dancing reminded me of mercury. (From a thermometer, not the planet.)

[Note: I found out afterwards that he’s from Brooklyn, like I am, so maybe that’s why he’s so fabulous! You can see a video of him, and many of the other krumpers, here: tinyurl.com/9enn8dv. I recommend visiting often.]

The only tiny element of the show I didn’t agree with was the showing of a short video about the family feud between the two founders of the style. That made no one look good, and actually brought the upbeat mood of the room down a taste. The public need not know what goes on behind the scenes, of any show! (But, in an opposite move to that, I was thrilled when Lil’ C introduced their old former rival, Tommy the Clown, in the audience! I loved that mutual support.)

I have one quick audience shout-out: there were all ages and ethnicities, and everyone was appreciative, although the front row won in that category, with a church-testifying demeanor during the whole show. I would have lost ten pounds that night if I had joined them! I seriously don’t know how they kept up that level of excitement the whole time. But the four little girls behind me were the best. One was just a year old, but literally danced in her mother’s lap the entire time! And one adorable little one, in a long tutu, kept trying to tell me something, but I couldn’t tear my eyes off the stage long enough to figure out what it was. And she seemed to know the obscure music really well. It turns out she’s Miss Prissy’s two-year-old daughter! I should have known; the gift for movement certainly runs in that family.